Seed stitch hand embroidery tutorial

Seed Stitch

Seed Stitch is the basic filler stitch. I included it in the list of the best embroidery stitches as it is simple, easy to learn, and fast to cover big spaces.

This hand embroidery technique is a simple series of Straight stitches that are even size and spaced apart but go in random directions. It can also be worked in a uniform pattern when you align the stitches in the same direction.

Depending on how dense your stitches will be, you can get a very light filling or very heavy and textural. Also, you can play with colors – mix colors and make a confetti filling or use the same color as a fabric and get a simple but textural look.

Besides that, you will need this stitch to fill the Padded Satin stitches.

Other Names Of The Stitch

Simple Seed Stitch has many names. You can find it by the name of Rice stitch, Isolated Back stitch, Seeding stitch, Seed filling stitch, Speckling stitch, Dot stitch, or Rice Grain stitch.

Seed stitch embroidery with red embroidery floss
Seed stitch embroidery with red embroidery floss
Seed stitch embroidery with metallic threads
Seeding stitch filling with metallic threads
Seed stitch embroidery with two colors of pearl cotton
Speckling stitch embroidery with two colors of pearl cotton

Applications Of Seed Stitch In Hand Embroidery

This hand embroidery stitch is a simple filling stitch. Use it for filling areas and adding some texture to the embroidery designs.

Seed stitch filling - botanical embroidery
Rice Stitch filling – botanical embroidery

More stitches from the Straight Stitch family

Seed stitch1x1

How to embroider Seed Stitch

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

Video tutorial

Tools and materials I used for this sampler

Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.

Embroidery fabric cotton linen neutral colors Etsy
Embroidery fabric
DMC Embroidery Floss Etsy
DMC Embroidery Floss
Beechwood embroidery hoops Etsy
Embroidery hoop
Bohin Embroidery Needles Etsy
Bohin Embroidery Needles
Embroidery Scissors Etsy
Embroidery Scissors

What’s next?

If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!

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Need More Guidance?

The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.

White sashiko stitches on purple fabric